Operafest Lisboa 2021
The Medium
GIAN-CARLO MENOTTI
When delusion is stronger than reality
Inedited
28, 29 AUG | 21h30
Garden Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
Opera in two acts
Sung in English
Subtitles in Portuguese
Length: 1h20 with no intermisson
One of the most relevant operas by Gian-Carlo Menotti (1946) finally in Lisbon, promising a night "out of this world".
With Libretto by the composer and a plot filled up with suspense, this opera displays an imposter medium, who deceives vulnerable families who have lost their children.
Madame Flora is a disturbed cruel woman. She has her scheme working well, helped by her daughter Monica and her servant Toby, making good money. What if she is caught in her own web? Un unpredicted incident dives Madame Flora in suspicion and nothing will be the same again.
Inspired by a spirit session the composer attended with friends in 1936, in the outskirts of Vienna, this opera questions the limits between reality and supranatural world, and between truth and delusion.
With its evoking nocturne atmosphere, the Garden of MNAA, has all ingredients for an unforgettable operatic spirit session...
Musical Direction: Diogo Costa
Stage Direction: Sandra Faleiro
Costumes: Miss Suzie
Light Design: Gi Carvalho
Set Design: Roberta Azevedo Gomes
Cast
Madame Flora: Cátia Moreso
Monica: Cecília Rodrigues
Toby: Benjamim Barroso
Mrs Gobineau: Carla Simões
Mr Gobineau: Tiago Amado Gomes
Mrs Nolan: Ana Rita Coelho
Ensemble MPMP